Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India has appointed Devika Prabhu as Business Head – Hindi Movies, marking a strategic leadership addition to its movies portfolio.
Prabhu announced the move on LinkedIn, describing the transition as both a “new beginning and a homecoming.” Earlier in her career, she had worked with the Sony network, making this return particularly significant in her professional journey.
“I am excited to share that I’m beginning a new chapter with Sony Pictures Networks India as Business Head – Hindi Movies,” she wrote. “After more than two decades working with some of the most iconic entertainment brands and building content ecosystems for Indian audiences, this move feels both like a new beginning and a homecoming.”
Prabhu brings over 25 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry, having led major content, strategy, and business mandates across television networks and entertainment brands. Most recently, she served as Vice President & Business Head – Kids, Youth & Infotainment TV at The Walt Disney Company, a role she held since October 2020. In that capacity, she led the Disney Kids and National Geographic portfolios in India following the Disney–Fox merger. Prior to that, she held multiple leadership roles within Disney’s India network operations.
Prabhu’s association with Disney dates back to her time at UTV Software Communications under Ronnie Screwvala, where she joined the broadcasting vertical as Associate Director – Programming & Acquisitions for Kids Channels. Following Disney’s acquisition of UTV, she transitioned into senior programming and acquisitions roles within the merged entity.
Interestingly, her move to SPNI also marks a return to the Sony network, where she began her career in the broadcast industry. Between 2000 and 2008, she worked at SET India Pvt. Ltd. / Multi Screen Media as Assistant Vice President – Strategic Planning and Research, contributing to strategic planning initiatives for the network.
Speaking about the new role, Prabhu emphasized the enduring power of storytelling and the evolving opportunities for movie channels.
“Stories sit at the heart of how we connect with the world around us. The right story, told at the right moment, can bring people together, shape culture, and create memories that last for years,” she noted.
At Sony Pictures Networks India, Prabhu will focus on strengthening the Hindi Movies business, leveraging her extensive experience across content strategy, brand building, and audience engagement to expand the network’s movie channel ecosystem.
“I’m looking forward to working with the incredible teams at SPNI to further strengthen the Hindi Movies business and continue bringing the magic of cinema to audiences across India,” she said.
Her appointment comes at a time when Hindi movie channels remain one of the most competitive segments in India’s television ecosystem, with networks constantly evolving programming strategies, film libraries, and audience engagement models to stay relevant in a multi-platform media environment.
